At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead quality assurance and shape testing strategies for major programmes.
- Company: Join Serco, a company passionate about diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company car, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Supportive culture with extensive career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public services while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading QA teams and defining test strategies.
The predicted salary is between 25600 - 28000 £ per year.
Here at Serco, we’re looking for a Senior QA Lead to shape and lead quality assurance across major programmes and customer engagements. This is a strategic role, focused on defining test strategy, building high‑performing teams, and working closely with customers to deliver trusted, high-quality outcomes. You’ll act as the senior point of contact for QA, ensuring testing is aligned to business expectations, contractual commitments, and delivery timelines.
Alongside this, you’ll lead and develop QA teams, embed modern testing practices, and drive continuous improvement across the organisation. As part of this you’ll:
- Define and lead QA strategy across programmes, aligning testing to business goals, customer expectations, and delivery outcomes
- Act as the senior QA contact for customers and stakeholders, providing clear reporting, assurance, and trusted advice
- Build, lead, and develop high‑performing QA teams, driving capability, consistency, and professional growth
- Establish and embed effective test approaches across functional, non‑functional, and automated testing
- Ensure quality is built into delivery through strong governance, metrics, and continuous improvement
- Oversee test execution, defect management, and reporting to ensure transparency and control
- Support bids and new work, shaping QA approaches and building confidence in delivery capability
What you’ll need to do the role:
- Proven experience leading QA functions or teams in complex delivery or transformation environments
- Strong track record defining and implementing test strategies across Agile and non‑Agile delivery
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with experience working directly with customers and senior leaders
- Experience building and developing QA teams, including coaching and performance management
- Good understanding of test automation, tools, and modern quality engineering practices
- Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands‑on oversight of delivery
- SC clearance (or willingness to obtain it)
What we offer:
- Company car
- 5% on target bonus scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Flexible working considered
- Pension – 6%
- Chance to contribute to innovation in the public services
- A company passionate about diversity and inclusion
- A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Simply Health Cash Plans, and more.
- A wealth of career development training to suit your future aspirations. These range from role specific training, leadership coaching, formal study and much more to support you to build your career with Serco.
- A safe and supportive culture.
Serco are Disability Confident Leader employers and are committed to employing and retaining people with disabilities. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
Senior QA Lead employer: Serco North America
At Serco, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, particularly for the Senior QA Lead role based in our Solihull office. We offer a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity, alongside a comprehensive benefits package including flexible working options, private medical insurance, and a robust pension scheme. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide extensive career development opportunities, ensuring you can thrive in your role while contributing to meaningful public service innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior QA Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the QA field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about roles that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common QA scenarios. Think about how you would define a test strategy or handle stakeholder expectations. The more you rehearse, the more confident you'll feel when it’s showtime!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your experience, highlight times you've built or developed high-performing teams. Employers love to see candidates who can inspire and elevate others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in quality assurance.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior QA Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in leading QA functions. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've defined and implemented test strategies. We love seeing quantifiable results, so if you improved a process or led a successful project, shout about it!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your writing is easy to read and free of jargon. This will help us see your qualifications without getting lost in the details.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Serco North America
✨Know Your QA Strategies
Make sure you’re well-versed in various QA strategies, especially those relevant to both Agile and non-Agile environments. Be ready to discuss how you've defined and implemented these strategies in past roles, as this will show your depth of experience and understanding.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior QA Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to build and lead high-performing teams. Prepare examples of how you've coached team members, managed performance, and fostered professional growth. This will highlight your leadership style and effectiveness.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since stakeholder management is key, think about times when you've worked directly with customers or senior leaders. Be ready to share how you’ve provided clear reporting and assurance, and how you’ve built trust through effective communication.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss your approach to embedding modern testing practices and driving continuous improvement. Share specific examples of how you've overseen test execution and defect management, ensuring quality is built into delivery. This will show your commitment to excellence.
